Dellums became the first African-American man from northern California to serve in Congress, according to the outlet, and represented the area’s 9th Congressional District from 1971-1998. He also served as the mayor of Oakland from 2007 to 2011.

Per NBC Bay Area, Dellums was involved in the U.S. sanctioning South Africa during that country’s period of apartheid; he spoke out against the U.S. entering wars; and he helped launch the Congressional Black Caucus.

In 1986 Congressman Ron Dellums authored the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act. It passed the House & Senate.

President Ronald Reagan vetoed it. Unthinkable.

For the 1st time in the 20th century, a bi-partisan Congress overrode a presidential veto on foreign policy.

“He spoke truth to power and appealed to America’s conscience in championing those who were left out and left behind, whether in the East Bay, across the nation, or around the world,” former President Bill Clinton tweeted on Sunday. “We will miss him.”

Ron Dellums was intense and intelligent, fearless and philosophical. He spoke truth to power and appealed to America’s conscience in championing those who were left out and left behind, whether in the East Bay, across the nation, or around the world. We will miss him.

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